HTC working on patch for security flaw in smartphones

10/4/2011 12:45:15 PM
HTC working on patch for security flaw in smartphones

HTC is working on a patch after experts revealed serious security flaws in some of its smartphones.

The flaw came to light after website Androidpolice revealed that HTC's modified Android operating system contained a number of security flaws rooted in software modifications in certain phones.

Phones such as the Evo (pictured), MyTouch and some models of Sensation are known to have the flawed OS, which could allow third party access to private information on the phones.

AndroidPolice claims it alerted HTC last week but its warning went ignored, forcing them to go public with their concerns yesterday.

HTC confirmed today that it is working on a patch which it will send out via its network partners. The company said: ‘HTC is working very diligently to quickly release a security update that will resolve the issue on affected devices.

'Following a short testing period by our carrier partners, the patch will be sent over-the-air to customers, who will be notified to download and install it.’

However experts criticised the company for the original modifications to its phones' OS. Artem Russakouskii, in a blog post on AndroidPolice, wrote: ‘If you, as a company, plant these information collectors on a device, you better be DAMN sure the information they collect is secured and only available to privileged services or the user, after opting in.’

Network operators are warning HTC customers to be cautious until the patch is available.

Three UK said: ‘HTC have now confirmed that the problem does indeed exist, but also stated that they have no reports of any customers having been compromised. However, we'd advise users to be extra careful when installing third party applications.’